The Technology Transfer Dimensions of U.S. Military Assistance
Abstract
The Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) was established in 1984 to pull together the work on technology security being done within the offices of the Under Secretaries for Policy and for Acquisition, Within DoD, the technology transfer decision-making process is controlled by DoD Directive 2040.2, "International Transfer of Technology, Goods, Services, and Munitions." This directive states that the management of international technology transfer shall be consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. It also states that military technology shall be shared only with allies and other nations that "cooperate effectively in safeguarding" technology and goods from other nations whose interests are "inimical" to those of the United States. Specifically, DTSA works with the Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA) by emphasizing the need for technology security risk assessments and control plans in MOUs (Memoranda of Understanding). Here, DTSA is carrying out the requirements of DoD Directive 5530.3 on International Agreements (Section I.3.d). Also, DTSA sends munitions license applications for direct commercial sales to DSAA for review. We recognize that DSAA should know about commercial sales because these often could affect DSAA country programs. Also, DSAA often provides important inputs to the overall DoD review of munitions licenses. This article describes three broad trends in technology transfer policy that will affect the way everyone does business. These trends are a reduced immediate challenge from the Warsaw Pact (though a continuing long-term Soviet challenge), a greater concern with military risks from certain Third World countries, and a growing consensus that the export of defense goods and technologies is critical to U.S. commercial competitiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA496105
Entities
People
- Sumner Benson